History

Star Benefit Auctions is the brainchild of auctioneer Erin Ward. The mother-daughter auctioneering team of Erin Ward and Jill Doherty have over twenty-five years experience in the auction business. They are based on Long Island, New York, but they travel all over the country and internationally assisting various charitable organizations with their fundraising expertise and incredibly entertaining events.

A third generation auctioneer, Erin has been in the auction business her entire life. She attended the World Wide College of Auctioneering, and for the past sixteen years she has been a member of the National Auctioneers Association and their annual conventions. Erin has her Bachelor of Arts in Women Studies — with a focus on Art History — from SUNY Purchase, New York. After earning her degree, she found her passion in benefit auctions.

Erin recently became the first person in New York to become a certified Benefit Auction Specialist. She received this honor after learning from extensive courses through the National Auctioneer’s Association in Seattle, WA. Erin’s education and experience help her bring creativity and excitement to her auctions. She has traveled extensively, having studied in Spain, Italy, and China. Her unique ideas and positive energy add excitement to all of the work that she does. Erin has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for multiple organizations and can’t wait to help raise more!

Due to the national financial crisis, many organizations that rely upon donations are fearing the impacts of this recession. The trained staff at Star Benefit Auctions is exactly what your organization needs to get through this tough economic time. Now more than ever, the American people realize that every dollar counts. Let us help your charity by giving us the opportunity to inspire people to make a difference!

“Notre Dame School is delighted to have Erin Ward as our schools auctioneer for the past several years. Erin and her team provide a professional, energetic, and fun evening. The crowd is entertained and motivated throughout the evening. The annual auction has turned into one of the most important fund-raising tools for our school, and has seen tremendous growth in the bottom line throughout the years.”
— Maryanne Schillinger, President of PAVE, Notre Dame School, New Hyde Park, NY

If you would like to learn how an auction can help your organization increase its donations and have a ton of fun doing so, please contact us. We would love to discuss your charity and the possible ways to improve your events.